Packing Baggage

Citrine shifted her weight onto the bed, taking a brief break from her preparations. Damp locks drooped as a breeze blew in from the open window, providing ample view of the town from the second story. Everything was tinted in an array of golds and purples, oranges and blues, like a fiery sodalite, bright, bold, and beautiful.

After staring too long at the phenomenon that resembled her favorite mineral, the half-elf sighed, turning back to her duties.

There was a pile to the side of her, a mess of clothes and equipment strewn across her sheets. And though her body was still catching up from this morning—her recent shower only somewhat refreshing her—it was important she get this done sooner than later.

Packing.

If there was one thing she didn't miss from her traveling days, it was this. Sure, she could plan tactics, analyze weaknesses, and form general strategies for trips and campaigns. But packing the actual bags?

Gods, that was a nightmare.

Citrine never could figure out how to balance what she could feasibly carry with the supplies she actually needed, like if she could sneak a few rocks into her backpack without Larkspur noticing. It was an admittedly frivolous conundrum compared to the other issues the party faced—and a rather unbefitting one for a leader too—but it was one nonetheless, one that had resulted in many an argument in the past.

Ferris had always shrugged carrying a little extra though, volunteering herself as the group's porter. She'd never had the same attachment to rocks that Citrine did, but she'd understood, and it'd been one of the many things that'd endeared her to the ogrelyn when they'd first traveled together.

The half-elf smiled. It was nostalgic thinking back to it, nearly ten years ago. They'd been smushed together by fate, all just so happened to be in the area when the Trueflame had first struck, but the party had clicked, and the rest was history.

Her eyes closed, remembering the scene briefly. To think a search for geodes could turn into a journey to save the world. It was almost funny, in a way. Or sad, depending on the perspective.

Regardless, it was in the past now, and she was wasting precious time.

She glanced at the clock. Evening would soon be upon them, and her golems would soon be back from their tasks more than likely. Ferris had happily gone to grab a few items with the shop's week profit, after saying the ogrelyn could buy anything she fancied. It was the least she could do for humoring her this morning, after all.

Once she was back, they could pay a visit to the magesmith. The armor would probably be ready by then, and the two could then discuss their plans for the next month or so, including the route, the stops, the supplies, and more.

*creak*

The door to her bedroom opened, golem number three stepping in.

"Ah, welcome back," Citrine said as the construct approached, a small parcel in hand. She took it, then unwrapped it.

"…" A frown, the corner of her lip falling. The item in question was a small, crystalline bottle of some sort, a pink liquid sloshing within.

"What's this? I asked for a filter to cleanse water. This doesn't look like one." She held the container closer, examining it. The glass was thin and delicate, and there was a cork in the top. Curious, she uncapped it, only to nearly choke on the scent of sugar and flowers.

"Philter?!" she coughed out. "N-no! This is not what I asked for at all!"

*CLUNK* The golem knocked itself in the head.

"No, it's… not your fault. The two words are rather close to one another, and I can see how a mistake could have been made." Citrine took a deep, grounding breath, trying to calm her pounding heart. "But really? Why did you think I needed a damn love potion?!"

The stone construct just stood there, blankly staring as if it didn't understand the problem.

Her eyes narrowed. "Hold on, is this about Ferris's visit? Are you implying something?"

More staring, followed by a slow shrug.

Citrine's ears fell flat. Just what were her constructs saying? That she liked the warrior? Ridiculous. Sure, she had a fondness for her and an attraction of some sort, but that wasn't love. Love was something reserved for the most precious of things, for gems, crystals, and stones.

Besides, it was already too late for her, wasn't it? She only had a year left. There was no point in pursuing romance.

"Go return this to wherever you got it from," she sternly stated. "Get me the actual filter this time."

*clunk* *knock* The golem saluted before lumbering off, repackaged philter in hand.

The half-elf sighed. When had her constructs gotten so cheeky?

She looked back out the window. The sun had already sunk beneath the horizon, the skies darkening to a deep violet hue. At this rate, she'd have to do the rest of the packing when she got back, she supposed.

Limbs stretched as she made her way to the door, intent on refocusing.

Her mind needed to be on more important things, not doomed romance and philters.

***

"Here's your armor, ma'am. All fixed up." Arcane hands passed the metal to the ogrelyn beside Citrine, quickly accepting and tucking it under her arm. Stone walls reflected heat from the back's forge, although it was made bearable by the stream of cold mist from the counter.

Mistquartz, the one Citrine had procured for her nearly a year ago.

"Much appreciated, Selena." She slid over the payment to the fiery-haired gnome. "You didn't have any problems, did you?"

"Problems? Of course not. Might be adamantine, but I'm the best in the business, after all." The magesmith chuckled. "Although, you're lucky she's the one wearing it. I'd have charged you extra otherwise for short notice."

The half-elf crossed her arms as the tiny statured figure motioned to her friend. "I know. You've already said that a dozen times over. I don't know why I even bother with you."

"Because I'm the best," the magesmith repeated, leaning back in her elevated perch. "I appreciate the business all the same though, especially with the honor of meeting the Adamantine. The legends swirling around the taverns never mentioned… well, y'know."

The warrior's cheeks turned a slight pink, and Citrine coughed. "Yes, well, we appreciate the discretion. And thank you, truly, for the help." She tugged on the warrior's cloak, prompting her to follow. "If you'd like, I'm happy to provide you with more quartz once I'm back. It'll probably be another two months though, so I hope you can hold out till then."

"Eh, I'll be fine. Will just convince your golems to give me a discount while you're gone. Safe travels, you two."

Citrine rolled her eyes as the pair made their way out into the night air, glancing over to Ferris.

"Sorry. Selena's always like that."

"It's fine. Just a reminder, really."

"Of?" Her ears tilted.

"Of what I am." Emerald eyes shined in the moonlight. "Don't worry. I'm not upset."

Citrine's lips thinned, but the ogrelyn continued on. "So, we're heading to this… what was it? Leyresearch facility?"

"Nexuspoint, to be precise. It's been three decades since I've last been there, but the place has grown in prestige since then. It's really the only lead I've got, unfortunately. If they don't have anything on the leystone curse, there's nowhere else to check."

"I'm sure they'll have something." A familiar warmth slipped in briefly as they walked, though the warrior soon returned to her more restrained self. "Anyways, where is it?"

"The northeast, towards the mountains."

"Oh. That's pretty far." Ferris scratched her chin. "That's why you said a month."

"Yes, although hopefully the route I've planned will shorten the trip. We'll still have to camp and stop by a few places, but we can get there and back relatively unscathed."

"Sounds like a plan. We head out at dawn, then?"

She gave a nod once they arrived back at the shop, golem opening the front door for their arrival. "You know me. Always early."

Ferris chuckled. "Yeah, yeah I do." A pause, then the warrior's eyes shifted. "Say uh, actually, would you like some help carrying things? Like old times?"

The half-elf pondered the question for a moment. "I certainly wouldn't complain, and it'd save me some grief. Although are you certain? I'm not quite sure I have anything I can do to repay the favor."

"No, no, I don't mind. Just getting to tag along with you is good enough."

Citrine felt her chest stir again, although thankfully not due to the curse's effects this time. There was just something about Ferris now, an earnestness to her that was rather pleasant despite the constant awkwardness.

It was… nice.

"Very well," she eventually answered, taking her to the second floor. "I haven't finished packing yet though, so I can only really estimate what needs to be transported and what not."

"That's fine," Ferris answered as the half-elf opened her bedroom door, gesturing to the mess inside. The warrior's eyes widened in surprise. "You certainly haven't changed much, have you?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing." She stared at the multitude of bags. "Just how much are you planning on taking with you? The whole house?"

"If I would, I could," Citrine deadpanned. "I need to take everything I can. After all, this may be my last journey, and it would be a shame if I didn't have everything I needed."

"…" The ogrelyn paused, drooping. "Oh. Right… Sorry."

Citrine winced, mentally kicking herself. Damn it, the last thing Ferris needed was her self-pity, especially since they'd finally begun slipping into familiarity again.

"Could you help me pick out the best outfit?" she impulsively asked, hoping to rescue the mood.

"…What?"

"An outfit," the half-elf reiterated, thinking of a reasoning behind it. "I… want to make sure I look decent for the trip, and I'd like a second opinion. You wouldn't mind helping, right?"

"O-oh!" Ferris's eyes lit up, although it mixed together with surprise, like the half-elf had grown a second head. "A-are you certain?"

"You helped me prepare stuff in the past, didn't you? It's nothing new."

"Well, yes, but this… this is a little different." She bit her lip, looking around the room before sighing. "Plus, I don't want to make you uncomfortable or anything. It's not like I even know much—"

"Ferris," Citrine said, interrupting. "It's fine. I trust your opinions. I know you'll be pragmatic about things, unlike a certain alchemist that shall go unnamed." Her arms crossed. "Or Durma. He was always pushing those ridiculous furs on me."

"…" The ogrelyn scratched her cheek. "Well, if you're certain."

"I am. Now—" The half-elf motioned into the closet as she opened it. "What looks best? We're heading north, so it's going to get cold, though I'd prefer to wear something light and comfortable for the journey there."

The warrior's eyes began to spin, scanning the array of clothing the half-elf had amassed over the years. "Uh, well…" Her gaze settled on a certain section. "I suppose those would work?"

"Show me." Citrine stepped aside, allowing Ferris to grab the outfit.

The warrior took a few seconds before pulling out a pair of garments.

Golden eyes immediately flatlined. "Ferris. Those are dresses."

"I-I'm aware! Just…" she stammered. "I thought… you might want to try them for a change? Like, this one with the earth tribe pattern on the sleeve trim. It looks nice, right?"

Citrine blinked, looking between the outfit and the ogrelyn. She didn't seem to be joking.

"…Really?"

"R-really." The ogrelyn's cheeks reddened.

The half-elf took a deep breath, trying not to let her own emotions get the better of her. Instead, she analyzed the one in question, looking for merit to justify the choice.

The pattern on it was rather pleasant, and the dress wasn't too long or frilly—in fact, it could pass for a tunic if she were to wear pants underneath. Plus, despite the short sleeves, it was made of a thicker material, so it'd be able to provide some protection from the elements.

"It's not terrible," Citrine finally admitted, plucking the garment from Ferris's hand. "I'll consider it."

"Great!" The warrior beamed. "What about that one then—"

"No." The half-elf quickly shut her down. "Not that."

"B-but the bow's cute!" Ferris objected, pointing at the silver frill. "It's just your color!"

"I'm not a child. I'm fifty-seven," Citrine retorted, trying to ignore the way the statement made her feel. She was beginning to feel some regret over asking the warrior to help. How'd her sense in wearability and aesthetics change this much?

A brisk draft blew in as the answer came to her.

"…" Oh, right. That. How'd she not anticipate this again?

"Hey, come on. It doesn't hurt to try on," Ferris argued. "Besides, you asked for my opinion, didn't you?"

"…" Citrine sighed, grabbing it from her hands and heading to the mirror. At least her friend had forgotten about the previous awkwardness. Plus, the way her eyes sparkled… was kind of worth it. She looked excited in a way that reminded her of fun times, back when the ogrelyn would spew more jokes than air.

"Fine. But only to see." The half-elf turned to the mirror and began to undress, stripping to her undergarments.

"!" She heard her friend hit the floorboards with a thud, likely having lost her footing.

"Are you okay?" Citrine glanced behind her, seeing the woman half-scrunched up on the ground, covering her face.

"C-Citrine?! What are you—I'm still in the room!" Ferris exclaimed.

She merely stared, redness flushing her own cheeks for some unknown reason. "And? This isn't a big deal. We're both girls, and it's not like I have much to stare at anyway."

Ferris sputtered, feet clamoring as she tried to right herself. "Wha—I-I mean. Yes? Both girls. But—"

"But what?" Citrine interrupted, glancing back to the mirror—

"…" She forgot she hadn’t worn a bra today.

The half-elf's ears flattened against her head, attempting to maintain her image. "Apologies. I might have gotten a little ahead of myself—"

*scramble*

Before she could even finish the sentence, the door was slammed shut, noise tumbling into the hallway—

*THUD!* *tumble-tumble-tumble*

And down the stairs, ending in a solid thump.

"…ow…"

The shopkeeper's eyes widened, and she quickly threw on a loose shirt, rushing out to peer at the warrior at the bottom of the staircase. "Ferris! Are you all right?"

*knock* *clunk* Golems number one and two rushed over, quickly attempting to aid the ogrelyn in getting up.

No response, save for a muffled mumble and a thumbs up.

"…I'm fine, just give me a moment."

"…"

*snort*

Once it was clear she was okay, Citrine felt something bubble in her. A snicker, then a chuckle, until she was nearly doubled over, clutching her sides.

"Pfffft! Hahaha!"

The warrior just groaned as the half-elf began laughing more than she'd ever done in the past five years.

"Sh-shut up, Citrine!" she shouted, voice cracking from the strain. "I-it's not funny!"

"A-apologies," the shopkeep gasped out between chortles. "I've just—ha—it's been so long since I've seen—"

The warrior huffed, turning away. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." She covered her face, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"…stupid rockhead…"